Verstappen Criticizes Madring Layout After Battery Issues

Max Verstappen has criticized the layout of the new Madring circuit ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, suggesting changes to improve overtaking after his battery depleted during qualifying. The Red Bull driver, who qualified on the second row, said the track's design forces drivers to lift off the throttle and limits opportunities for passing. Verstappen's comments came after Lando Norris secured pole position for the race on Sunday. The McLaren driver set the fastest time in the final moments of qualifying at the brand-new 5.4-kilometer circuit on the outskirts of Madrid. During his media session after qualifying, Verstappen explained the specific issue he encountered. "Well, I wanted to go flat, but then my battery dies, so yeah, to add a lift, to have better deployment, so that's my Monumental experience," he said, referring to the circuit's La Monumental corner. He suggested the corner's banking design could be reversed for better performance. Verstappen also pointed to broader design flaws that hinder racing.